Latest news with #Gohar
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Egyptian Squash Players Rule the Women's Game
Nouran Gohar said she started her athletic life as a swimmer and rhythmic gymnast. She hated both, often sobbing through strict gymnastic training sessions that would last at least five hours. She played handball, too, becoming good enough to be recruited for the Egyptian junior national team. But the day, at age 9, that she jumped on a squash court, just for fun with her father, fireworks figuratively exploded in the air. 'That day was the beginning of my career,' said Gohar, 27, speaking by phone during the British Open last month in Birmingham, England. 'It was the first time I was really having fun in a sport.' Gohar is now the top-ranked women's squash player in the world. She has reached the final of the British Open seven times, securing her third championship last month. She has won the U.S. Open four times and captured the Professional Squash Association Women's World Championship in 2024. Another Egyptian, Nour El Sherbini, who first held a squash racket when she was 6, is ranked No. 2. With eight titles, she is tied with Nicol David from Malaysia for having won the most Women's World Squash Championships. Hania El Hammamy, the third-ranked player, and Amina Orfi, at No. 5, are also Egyptians who started young. Over the last decade, 19 of the 20 finalists at the world championships have been from Egypt. Players from the country have also won six women's world team championships since 2008, including in 2024. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PTI says ‘federal budget favours elite, ignores masses'
ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday sharply criticised the federal budget for 2025-26, branding it 'the worst in the country's history' and accusing the government of favouring the elite while neglecting ordinary citizens. Leading PTI's charge during the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly, acting PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticised the absence of new development projects, accusing the government of failing to introduce economic reforms or curb inflation. He described the budget as misleading, arguing that the reported 3.5 per cent inflation rate was far from reality. 'If that figure were accurate, the State Bank wouldn't maintain an 11 per cent policy rate.' Budget 2025-26: Pakistan targets 4.2% growth as Aurangzeb presents proposals 'for a competitive economy' He compared Pakistan's $62 billion federal budget to India's Uttar Pradesh state, which he claimed had a budget of $97 billion, highlighting inefficiencies and waste in government spending, including the presence of 16 directors general in Customs compared to India's five. Barrister Gohar proposed tax relief measures, such as exempting individuals earning up to Rs2.2 million annually from income tax and abolishing stamp duty on property in Islamabad. He strongly opposed a proposed amendment to Section 169, which would require taxpayers to deposit 50 per cent of disputed amounts to obtain stay orders. 'This strips taxpayers of their basic right to appeal,' he said. Criticising the National Assembly's performance, he claimed it failed to meet even basic legislative standards, often convening for less than half an hour, and called the Rs15 billion allocation for the Assembly excessive compared to India's Rs5 billion for its much larger parliament. Gohar also criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his silence when Punjab lawmakers approved a salary increase for themselves. He accused the minister of resorting to political rhetoric only after the issue gained traction in the federal capital, rather than taking any concrete steps to halt what he described as an unjustified pay hike. He called for an end to what he described as abuse of power and expressed concern over reduced health and education budgets. 'There's not even a mention of artificial intelligence in the recent presented budget,' he regretted, praising the PTI's previous IT sector initiatives, which he claimed played a strategic role in past confrontations with India. The PTI leader said the budget had been tailored to suit powerful interests, pointing to reduced tariffs on imported vehicles as evidence. He urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach by considering opposition proposals, citing the example of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who in the 1990s incorporated recommendations from his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a gesture of bipartisan cooperation. In contrast, several lawmakers from the ruling coalition and allied parties defended the budget. Minister for Water Resources Mueen Watto hailed it as 'ideal,' claiming it reflected prudent financial management. He claimed improved economic indicators such as declining inflation, increased foreign reserves, and rising remittances. Addressing India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, he assured lawmakers that Pakistan would safeguard its water rights and announced Rs130 billion for expanding water storage infrastructure, including the Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, and Kurram-Tangi dams. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam said the budget included relief measures for employees and other vulnerable groups. Syed Aminul Haq echoed government claims of economic recovery, adding that global financial institutions had recognised Pakistan's fiscal improvements. However, criticism also emerged from within the House. Lawmakers across parties highlighted areas of concern, particularly under-funding in health and education. Shahida Begum, Shahida Akhtar Ali of JUI-F, and Sehar Kamran expressed dissatisfaction with the low budgetary allocation to these sectors. 'The government should allocate at least four per cent of GDP to education and health,' Akhtar Ali said, also noting that PTV employees had gone unpaid for three months. Shazia Marri of the PPP rejected the proposed 18 per cent tax on solar panels and the carbon levy, while criticising the government's failure to raise the minimum wage. 'Employees' concerns are being ignored,' she said. Shahram Khan Tarakai of PTI also opposed the solar panel tax, while Sadiq Ali Memon of PPP demanded it be scrapped and the minimum wage raised to Rs50,000. Misbah Uddin and Anwar Ali Taj said the tribal districts had been overlooked in the budget and called for an updated Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) survey to include more deserving beneficiaries. Syed Hussain Tariq and Abdul Aleem Khan underscored the importance of supporting the agricultural sector and achieving core economic goals. Mohammad Ahmed Chattha advocated for motorway links to Wazirabad, while Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui proposed developing coastal tourism and the ship-breaking industry. Tehmina Daultana of ruling PML-N urged greater support for women, while Nikhat Shakeel Khan demanded better public transport in Karachi and poverty reduction measures. Mian Khan Bugti praised the Rs250billion allocation for Balochistan and the focus on connectivity projects. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry pushed for incentives for overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country. Shaista Khan paid tribute to the armed forces and federal leadership for their 'strong response' to Indian aggression, while accusing the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of corruption and failing to deliver basic services. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Gohar confident about PTI founder's bail
BUNER: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar, expressed confidence that the party's founder Imran Khan will secure bail, emphasising that June 11 is a crucial date in this regard. Speaking to a private television channel, he extended Eid greetings to all Pakistanis, Palestinian brothers, and soldiers fighting at the borders. He noted that this was the fourth Eid without Imran Khan's presence, yet his ideology continues to guide the party. Gohar announced that PTI will collaborate with opposition parties to launch a movement, which will be led by the party's 'pattern-in-chief' from jail. He urged opposition parties to join PTI for the sake of the country's survival and security. Addressing the detention of Bushra Bibi, he claimed she is being held in jail without any charges to pressure the PTI founder. He said that no deals will be made for the party founder's release. It is important to mention here that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) earlier postponed the hearing of petitions requesting the suspension of sentences for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the 190 million Pound Al-Qadir Trust case until June 11.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'No deals for release': Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan to be released from jail? What his party leaders said
File photo of Imran Khan (Pic credit: PTI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, is expected to secure bail on June 11 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, according to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Gohar Ali Khan. The Islamabad high court (IHC) is scheduled to hear petitions seeking suspension of sentences for both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in 190 million Pound Al-Qadir Trust case. While Gohar did not give specifics, he called June 11 an "important day" for the couple. Khan, 72, has been jailed since August 2023 in multiple cases, including convictions that PTI alleges are politically motivated. The national accountability bureau (NAB) had earlier sought more time to prepare its arguments, prompting the IHC to adjourn the hearing to next week. PTI plans protest Gohar also revealed that PTI will launch a political movement in collaboration with opposition parties, led by Khan from inside prison. He urged political rivals to unite for the country's "survival and security." "A strategy for the upcoming budget has been finalised. A press conference on June 9 will announce our plan," he told ARY News. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also warned of a nationwide protest movement after Eid al-Adha if Khan is not released. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People In Punjab Say Goodbye To Mosquitoes With This Revolutionary Solution Mosquito Eliminator Read More Undo The PTI maintains that the February 8 general elections were the "Mother of All Rigging," accusing the ruling PML-N and PPP of "stealing the mandate." Govt open to talks, PTI rejects deals In response, Rana Sanaullah, special assistant to PM Shehbaz Sharif, urged PTI to accept the PM's offer for talks and help amend electoral laws through dialogue. However, Gohar dismissed any possibility of a deal for Khan's release, claiming Bushra Bibi is being held without charges to pressure the PTI founder. He also rejected rumours of internal divisions within the party.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nouran in hot form to defend British Open
PETALING JAYA: Egypt's squash player Nouran Gohar is in super shape to defend the women's title in the British Open. The 27-year-old top seed Gohar took just 24 minutes to beat Marina Stefanoni of the United States 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 to set up a quarter-final match against fifth seed Tinne Gilis of Belgium. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
